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ORIGINAL SATURDAY NIGHT REPORT: This alert was just relayed over Seattle Police radio – King County Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating a reported carjacking outside Domino’s Pizza at 17th/Roxbury. Three armed carjackers are reported to have arrived in a white pickup and taken off in both that vehicle and the newly stolen white Toyota Camry, westbound on SW Roxbury. The only description of the carjackers so far: white men in their 20s with goatees and black hats. If you have any info for investigators, call 911.

ADDED MONDAY: We just checked with King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Eric White for an update. He tells us this actually happened in the O’Reilly Auto Parts lot while the victim was sleeping inside the car. Then on Sunday, Seattle Police found the car in the 9700 block of Myers Way South and arrested one person, according to Sgt. White, who had no further details on the circumstances of the arrest. We’ll be following up with SPD.

VIDEO: Hundreds of helpers for Seattle’s only river during spring 2024 Duwamish Alive!

April 20, 2024 10:02 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle news

(WSB photos/video)

Some paddled out on the sparkling water of the Duwamish River to remove trash and debris …

… and others dug into the forest floor for tasks to help it heal. They were among the 400 volunteers who volunteered today at 12 sites during the spring edition of the twice-yearly Duwamish Alive! mega-work party. Those who welcomed them during an opening gathering at həʔapus Village Park across from the Duwamish Tribe’s longhouse included tribe chair Cecile Hansen.

Duwamish Alive! Coalition leader Sharon Leishman also introduced indigenous Wisdom Keeper Jacob Johns, and 34th District State Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon:

After the gathering, groups of volunteers got their orders – at this park, some were off to the kayak cleanup, others to install “goose fencing,” some to remove ivy, and more.

If you missed this event, watch for word of the fall Duwamish Alive! in October, and many other opportunities throughout the spring and summer, such as those via the Green Seattle Partnership.

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Why you might see a hot-air balloon off Harbor Avenue Sunday afternoon (update: you won’t)

April 20, 2024 8:44 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS culture/arts

8:44 PM SATURDAY: They won’t make the final decision until tomorrow morning, but a reality-show crew sent word tonight that they might be filming in the Don Armeni Boat Ramp vicinity Sunday afternoon-evening. And if they do, a hot-air balloon will be inflated at City View Park (which Google locates as just west/north of Don Armeni). Also from the notice:

We will potentially be filming a segment of a reality television show at Don Armeni Boat Ramp/City View Park on 4/21/2024. The decision on if we are filming at this location will be made on the morning of April 21, 2024. If filming here, we will allow pedestrians to cross the area when it doesn’t interfere with a shot. If needed, our production assistants will hold passerbys briefly until the shot is over or direct them on a detour behind the camera line so that they can cross without being in the shot. We will also obtain “Filming In Progress” a-frames to make passerbys away of our activity.

We will be reserving the parking spots directly in front of City View Park for working production vehicles (minivans, cargos, SUVs, and passenger vans) and to “clear for picture.”

If filming at this location, there will be a hot air balloon inflated in City View Park. There will be exclusion zones set up around the balloon that will need to be kept clear for safety. We always aim to be good neighbors during our time in your area so please let us know if there is anything we can do to accommodate special needs during our filming.≤/blockquote>
We’ll update tomorrow when we get word of their decision.

12:34 PM SUNDAY: Just got the update – they will NOT be filming here today.

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COUNTDOWN: Here’s what you can drop off at next Saturday’s Recycle Roundup

April 20, 2024 6:09 pm

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| Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

One week until Fauntleroy Church‘s twice-yearly Recycle Roundup! Here’s another look at the list of what you can drop off, for free (and what NOT to bring):

It’s happening 9 am-3 pm next Saturday, April 27, in the church lot. at 9140 California SW. Drive up or ride/walk up with your item(s) and the church’s Recycle Roundup partner 1 Green Planet will handle it. Generally traffic flows fairly well across the six hours, but they axk that you NOT wait until the last minute. (You can also see the list here in PDF.)

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: 4,700-customer power outage, as wind sweeps through (updated Monday with cause)

April 20, 2024 3:14 pm

| 48 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

3:14 PM: Big wind gusts this past half-hour have brought power outages. According to the Seattle City Light map, the biggest one has taken out more than 4,600 homes and businesses in north West Seattle, from Alki to North Delridge. … The National Weather Service didn’t even have an advisory out, simply forecasting potential “breezy” conditions. On Twitter/X, @WestSeaWX says, “Cold front blasting through right now with gusts exceeding 40+ mph.” … We haven’t heard yet exactly where the failure point is, so let us know if you see City Light crews.

3:25 PM: Just hearing a dispatch for a tree down at Delridge/Genesee and blocking part of the road. Texter says that’s backing up at least a few H Line buses.

3:38 PM: Just an FYI, now there’s an even-bigger outage south of West Seattle, almost 7,000 homes and businesses from Boulevard Park to Burien. …. Remember that traffic signals are out at multiple intersections, and that makes them all-way stops – one texter is seeing multiple close calls among drivers on Fauntleroy.

4:04 PM: The powerless signals include Fauntleroy right up to the bridge, notes another texter. Meantime, Melissa sent this photo of the Delridge downed tree:

The weather has calmed somewhat – NWS says the cold front that came through is a “skinny” front – but SCL still has two big outages to take care of, including ours.

4:08 PM: Some are reporting their power’s back on.

4:13 PM: SCL has updated the map; that leaves just under 2,000 customers (each home, business, etc., is a “customer”) out in our area.

Meantime, Maris sent this photo of a tree down in The Junction, near 42nd/Edmunds:

Nick says in a comment below that the Delridge downed tree is no longer blocking part of the street.

4:34 PM: Also in comments, David D reports that an SCL crew “arrived around 4:15 pm to the where a small branch was sitting on the lines between 48/49, Hanford/Hinds. Likely the source of the flashing/booming.”

5:06 PM: SCL map shows WS outage fully resolved.

ADDED MONDAY: SCL spokesperson Jenn Strang confirms to WSB that aforementioned branch was the cause of the outage: “Saturday’s outage was caused by a tree limb that came down onto wires in the vicinity of 48th Avenue SW and SW Hinds Street.”

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READER REPORT: Is this ‘super-cute cross-stitch kit’ yours?

April 20, 2024 2:38 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Arbor Heights | West Seattle news

Is this yours, or do you know whose it might be? Just sent by Lindsay:

I found this super-cute cross-stitch kit either lost or stolen/ditched in the greenbelt behind my house in Arbor Heights. It looks very special to someone, so hoping to find the owner!

Email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll connect you.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Record Store Day crowd at Easy Street

April 20, 2024 1:26 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Thanks to Eddie for the photo. That’s the crowd outside Easy Street Records in The Junction in the early going of Record Store Day this morning. We just checked the California/Alaska traffic camera and there’s still a crowd, more than six hours after the shop’s 7 am opening for the occasion. If you’re wondering what they’re all lined up for – special releases, as shown on this list!

P.S. As we mentioned in this morning’s daily-preview lineup, Thunder Road Guitars (6400 California SW; WSB sponsor) is riffing off RSD – bring your Easy Street receipt in to get 10 percent off in-store purchases at TRG!

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Brown water in Alki, Upper Fauntleroy

April 20, 2024 1:10 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news

Thanks for the reports, first from Michael: “We are experiencing brown water from sinks and toilets in the 63rd Ave and Alki (Avenue) area.” Second, from Pete. who sent a photo: “I just started getting water that is not clear from my tap. I live on 37th Ave SW between Henderson and Barton.”

Most-common cause is hydrant testing, which agitates sediment (rust) in the lines, but if and when it happens at your home/business, please always notify Seattle Public Utilities – the 24/7 hotline is 206-386-1800.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day

April 20, 2024 10:27 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Fun stuff to do | Triangle | West Seattle news

10:27 AM: It’s playtime at the West Seattle YMCA (36th/Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor) until 1 pm – this year’s Healthy Kids Day is on! The Y’s offering a variety of free activities, membership not required – just show up!

11:42 AM: More photos from our visit! You can take a pic with Pikachu:

Bouncing, too!

Again, the Healthy Kids Day free fun continues until 1 pm.

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Low-bridge closure Day 1, and everything else to know for your West Seattle Saturday

April 20, 2024 6:00 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(The Brothers, photographed from Constellation Park by David Hutchinson)

Welcome to April’s third weekend! Here are highlights for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE: The West Seattle low bridge is scheduled to be shutting down to road/path traffic as of now for upgrades and will reopen no later than early the morning of April 29. More closure details from SDOT here (including how to get free rides on the Water Taxi or Metro buses).

WATER TAXI ADDS LATER-EVENING RUNS: Spring/summer season has officially begun for the West Seattle Water Taxi, which means later-evening runs tonight.

RECORD STORE DAY AT EASY STREET, WITH THUNDER ROAD BENEFITS: It’s that magical day when Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) joins record stores coast to coast in welcoming music lovers for one-of-a-kind offers. ESR opens at 7 am for the occasion. Bonus: Bring your Easy Street receipt to Thunder Road Guitars (6400 California SW; WSB sponsor) for 10 percent off your in-store purchase!

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER GROUP RUN: The store‘s where to meet for the weekly free group run at 8 am. (2743 California SW)

FREE! HEAVILY MEDITATED: Arrive by 8:50 am for community meditation at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska). Free event every Saturday but please register.

DELRIDGE GROCERY’S LAST RETAIL WEEKEND: Discounts for all as Delridge Grocery Co-op winds down retail operations at 5444 Delridge Way SW – shop 9 am to 3 pm today.

WHITE CENTER SPRING CLEAN: Help clean up downtown White Center – meet your fellow volunteers at 9 am at 98th/15th.

HIKING SEASON! The first of this year’s free monthly guided hikes in the West Duwamish Greenbelt is today! Meet in the south end of the Pathfinder K-8 parking lot at 1901 SW Genesee at 9:30 am.

HEALTHY KIDS DAY AT THE Y: 10 am to 1 pm, tons of free fun for kids at the West Seattle YMCA (36th/Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor), membership not required (though if you’re considering it, you still can get in on the “no joining fee” deal while you’re there).

EARTH DAY VOLUNTEERING WITH THE TROLL: Lots of volunteer opportunities today for Earth Day weekend. As of early this morning, there’s still a spot to join in forest restoration near Bruun Idun the troll at Lincoln Park – 9 am to noon.

DUWAMISH ALIVE! Multiple volunteer work parties in the river’s watershed, 10 am-2 pm, details in our calendar listing – also an opening ceremony (all welcome even if you’re not volunteering) at həʔapus Village Park; details here.

HELP THE BEE GARDEN: Learn sheet mulching while you’re at it! 10 am – details in our calendar listing. (Graham/Lanham)

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.

SR3 OPEN HOUSE: If you can make it down to Des Moines, see the marine-life rescue facility and meet the people who run it, 10 am-2 pm. (22650 Dock Ave. S., Des Moines)

FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am-11 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.

420 DRAG BRUNCH: 11 am at Box Bar (5401 California SW) – check here for reservations (bottom of page).

PLANT START GIVEAWAY: Get free starts to grow food to donate to people in need – 11 am to 1 pm at The Heron’s Nest (4818 Puget Way SW).

FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

BULLDOG HAVEN NW FUNDRAISER: Noon-4 pm at Whisky West (6451 California SW).

APRIL POOLS DAY: Free, fun, educational activities in the water for kids, at Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle).

RIDE TO THE RALLY: As previewed here (with route map), you can join a bike ride to a rally today for the city Transportation Plan and Transportation Levy to be more climate-focused. Meet up at 12:45 am.

VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

WISDOM KEEPERS: Following up on Duwamish Alive! volunteering, hear an indigenous perspective on climate change, 1-3 pm at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse (4705 W. Marginal Way SW) – free but please register.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Open 1-6 pm at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

SEED AND PLANT SWAP: Join the West Seattle Timebank for this event at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 2:30-4:30 pm – our calendar listing explains how to prepare.

NEPENTHE’S WALK-IN MASSAGE CLINIC: 3-5 pm, show up at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) with a specific problem to be addressed by massage, and you’ll get a free (gratuities appreciated) trial of their work.

KELLI FRANCES CORRADO: Live acoustic performance at La Luna on Alki (2609 58th Ave SW), doors at 6 pm, music at 7.

AT KENYON HALL: “Gypsy Jazz” band Ranger and The Re-arrangers, doors at 7 and music at 7:30, all ages – get your ticket(s) here! (7904 35th SW)

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Panic Grass, Slipping, Bouquets at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW) – doors at 7 pm, show at 8 pm, $10 at door.

ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)

THIRD WEEKEND FOR ‘ENGLISH’: The play by Sanaz Toossi, directed by Naghmeh Samini, continues at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Ticket link and more info are in our calendar listing; online tickets are sold out but you can check with the box office.

BEATS: Saturday night DJs at Revelry Room – 9 pm. Tonight, DJ Topspin is at the Room. (4547 California SW, alley side)

KARAOKE: Saturday night, sing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.

Planning a happening? If the community’s welcome, your event belongs on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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What’s the beach plan for this summer? Alki Community Council convenes city reps to discuss what they’ll do

April 19, 2024 10:35 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Neighborhoods | West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(WSB photo: SPD mobile precinct at Alki Beach Friday afternoon)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

At Thursday night’s Alki Community Council meeting, focused on city agencies’ plans for safety and cleanliness at the beach this summer, one attendee observed that past “pilots” for early closing times followed shootings.

“Maybe we can do this in advance of a shooting this year,” she said, with hope.

Maybe – but the closing-time decision has not yet been finalized, according to Katie Howard, one of the parks officials in attendance. Howard said the department is “still working out the details” and hopes they’ll have something to announce “within the next couple weeks … nothing is off the table right now.”

The meeting explored what’s planned for Alki Beach Park this spring/summer from several agencies’ perspective. One repeatedly mentioned theme: The city’s projected budget gap, and how that might affect staffing and services this summer; Howard said that will factor into the closing-time decision.

One new element: Seattle Park Rangers, with two representatives at the meeting.

Last year, the city had two rangers, and they were restricted to working at downtown parks. This year, they’ll have about 30 – though half of them are still at the academy until next month, at which time they’ll “go right into field training.”

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BIZNOTE: West Seattle Arcade taking over a second Alki space to open Gary’s Place

April 19, 2024 6:43 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(December photo courtesy Outer Space Seattle)

That’s part of the space at 2820 Alki Avenue SW that held Outer Space Seattle until just under four months ago. Now we know who’s moving in – here’s the announcement we received today from the proprietors of West Seattle Arcade:

West Seattle Arcade is expanding into a second space one block up the beach. We will be opening our sister location, Gary’s Place, (named for Matt Cichy’s dad, who owned and operated arcades around Seattle in the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s). Gary’s Place will afford us the opportunity to offer even more to our customers. We will be serving beer and snacks, along with an offering of some more classic arcade machines, more rhythm games, and a slightly more-grown-up atmosphere. As an extension of the West Seattle Arcade, Gary’s Place will be all ages, and accept the same Play Cards that we currently use.

We are working hard to get Gary’s Place up and running as soon as possible, but a lot of the timing will depend on how smoothly the permitting process goes.

This news comes nine months after Elyssa and Matt Cichy opened West Seattle Arcade at 2758 Alki Avenue SW.

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UPDATE: Police investigate another SUV abandoned on West Seattle beach

April 19, 2024 5:54 pm

| 14 COMMENTS

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

5:54 PM FRIDAY: Thanks to Craig for the photo. Police responded to West Seattle’s southwesternmost shore this afternoon – between Seola Beach and The Arroyos – to try to sort out how that Jeep Compass ended up in the water. First they had to be sure nobody was in the water. Dispatch checked the logs, and consulted the King County Sheriff’s Office, since this is close to the city-limit line, and found out a few things.

KCSO had a report of a hit-run around midnight involving a vehicle matching this description, near 30th/106th. And someone in the area reported giving the vehicle’s driver a ride to a bus stop around 1 am. What explanation they gave, we don’t know. Police who were back at the scene around 4 pm said they couldn’t access the vehicle because of the tide, which is going back out now.

P.S. Last reported case of SUV-on-the-beach was four weeks ago at Lincoln Park.

ADDED NOON SATURDAY: Thanks to the texter who sent this photo, saying it’s still there as of this morning:

It’s not visible from the public ends of either Arroyo Beach Drive or Seola Beach Drive – we tried looking Friday evening – so don’t bother trying to gawk.

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FOLLOWUP: Here’s what Seattle Animal Shelter says about West Seattle’s wandering guineafowl

April 19, 2024 3:18 pm

| 24 COMMENTS

| Pets | West Seattle news

(Texted photo, birds in Trader Joe’s parking lot this week)

Since our most-recent mention of West Seattle’s wandering guinea fowl, we’ve received photos and messages every day about sightings. We have not heard from their owner. While the birds – which resemble, but are not, turkeys – seemed to be staying in a residential neighborhood northeast of The Junction when we first heard about them 6+ months ago, most recently they’ve been seen in and near the Junction business district and arterials, with multiple reports of drivers dodging them. Seems unsafe, so today we asked the Seattle Animal Shelter if the situation was on their radar. Here’s the reply we received, via spokesperson Melissa Mixon:

The shelter has received reports of these two guinea fowl and has tried to capture them — even going so far as to buy special feed and grain that we provided to a willing resident who was working with us to try and contain them. The birds have proved to be quite elusive, however.

We encourage residents to contact the shelter if they see them, particularly if they witness a public safety or animal welfare concern (such as wandering onto a road.) One note on guinea fowl: while we certainly can’t comment on the character of these two birds, guinea fowl are larger birds and in general can be territorial and defensive. So residents should exercise caution just as they would around any larger bird.

(Texted photo, birds near West Seattle Bowl this morning)

The animal shelter’s hotline is 206-386-PETS.

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UPDATE: Crash on westbound bridge by 99

April 19, 2024 2:23 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

2:23 PM: Thanks for the tip. If you’re headed back this way from points north/east, be aware there’s a crash response blocking part of the westbound bridge just east of the Highway 99 overpass. Responders on scene are awaiting an SDOT crew to clean up debris and fluids. No major injuries reported so far.

2:29 PM: A dispatcher just told on-scene crews that the SDOT crew is delayed, “stuck in traffic” on I-5, waiting to get onto the bridge.

2:45 PM: SDOT has arrived, SFD has departed, westbound lanes are still partly blocked per police but traffic is getting by.

3:09 PM: Scene has cleared, all lanes reopened.

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TRANSPORTATION LEVY: 1 more week for feedback. Plus, bike ride to rally on Saturday

April 19, 2024 2:22 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

If you have something to say about the draft of the Seattle Transportation Levy renewal/expansion, you have one more week for feedback – here’s the official channel for that; you also can share your District 1 priorities with City Councilmember Rob Saka, who chairs the Transportation Committee, which will be reviewing it. Meantime, a rally is planned tomorrow for those who want to advocate for more climate focus in the levy as well as in the Transportation Plan, and you can get there via a bicycle ride from West Seattle to the rally location at Jimi Hendrix Park – here’s the route map shared with us today – meet up at 12:45 pm Saturday at the SW Chelan bicycle crossing:

The route includes a detour across the 1st Avenue South Bridge, since the up-to-nine-days closure of the West Seattle low bridge starts early tomorrow morning. The full ride announcement is in our calendar listing

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FOLLOWUP: Final three days you can shop at Delridge Grocery Co-op, starting this afternoon

April 19, 2024 1:12 pm

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| Delridge | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

As announced two weeks ago, the volunteer-run Delridge Grocery Co-op is ending its storefront retail operations – but first, three more days during which you can shop at the 5444 Delridge Way SW store and get discounts – here’s the DGC reminder:

This is the last weekend the Delridge Grocery Co-op will be offering store hours as we wind down our operations. We’ll be open during our regular weekend hours — Friday 3-7, Saturday 9-3, and Sunday 11-3 — and will be offering great deals on our remaining inventory. April 21 will be our last day of store hours.

Everything in the store is discounted by 15% for EVERYONE, along with additional savings on select items — including 50% off all home, kitchen, and personal care items plus gifts and greeting cards.

Our volunteers will be working hard this weekend to start getting the store in shape for the upcoming Cascadia Produce pop-up (scheduled to start May 8), so we will have more to share with you in the next week.

Some information about the “pop-up” – which will actually be a 7-day-a-week shop – is in our April 5 report.

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Park plan, festival updates, much more @ Morgan Community Association’s quarterly meeting

April 19, 2024 12:10 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Toplines from this past Wednesday night’s quarterly meeting of the Morgan Community Association, held in person at West Side Unitarian Universalist Congregation‘s community room and online via Zoom:

MORGAN JUNCTION PARK ADDITION SITE CLEANUP: Seattle Parks’ Kelly Goold brought the newest information. He said the cleanup of the ex-dry-cleaning site north of the current park is now expected to start in July and last about six weeks. He said the schedule is set for the period with the least likelihood of rain, and the lowest level of the water table, which means the least likelihood of any resulting underground contamination. The work will include concrete removal and soil removal down to about 18 feet. Once the removal is complete, the site will be graded and hydroseeded to prevent erosion. Beyond that, before site development can commence – likely in the first quarter of next year – they’re working with SDOT on transferring the street-end property between the expansion site and the current park. Once park construction starts, it’s expected to last eight months.

ALL-WHEELS AREA; As reported again here earlier this week, community advocacy for an all-wheels area in the project has led to a plan to create it on 1,500 square feet of the south end of the current park. Matt Johnston from the Morgan Junction All-Wheels Association recapped what’s ahead in the immediate future – a community meeting 10 am-noon Saturday, April 27, at the site. Grindline Skateparks is on board to design the all-wheels area but drawings are not expected at this first meeting – they’re hoping to have something to show about a month later, at which time there’ll be a second meeting. They also hope to be able to show Morgan Junction Community Festival attendees what exactly 1,500 sf looks like.

SPEAKING OF THE FESTIVAL: As we first reported in January, this year’s Morgan Junction Community Festival is planned for Saturday, June 15, 10 am-2 pm. MoCA is working on getting the festival back to its pre-pandemic scope, so in addition to more entertainment, this year will see the return of community booths in the parking lot behind Zeeks Pizza. Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Nate Shopay noted they’re expecting the Mounted Patrol to be able to visit, too.

SPEAKING OF POLICE: Lt. Shopay was at the meeting with an update on crime trends. Morgan Junction-area crime is generally down from last year, he said, but car prowls have been on the rise. He also noted that SPD has broken up a few “theft rings” recently, and that most of the people arrested were juveniles.

COUNCILMEMBER ROB SAKA’S OFFICE: Policy adviser Heather Marx was at the meeting. She said they’re laser focused on two big current initiatives – the Transportation Plan and draft Transportation Levy. The former was passed by the Transportation Committee, which Saka chairs, this past week and is expected to go to the full council on Tuesday (April 23). There’s one more week for feedback on the draft levy; Marx says they’ve been getting a strong response to Saka’s D-1 survey about it, which you can answer here. Asked how this levy differs fro the one that’s expiring, Marx noted it has more of an emphasis on proactive maintenance and paving, for example. Asked about specific projects for Morgan Junction, Marx said it’s too early to say. MoCA president Deb Barker said they’d be interested in pedestrian safety and traffic calming. Does it have money for more transit service? That’s a different voter-approved city funding source (the Seattle Transit Measure), Marx replied.

SPEAKING OF PLANS: The One Seattle (Comprehensive) Plan updates (here’s our most-recent coverage) were discussed too. This could bring new boundaries for the Morgan Junction area (what’s now an “urban village”). Barker said a West Seattle meeting about the comprehensive plan is coming up at 5 pm April 29 at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill).

PREPAREDNESS: Gatewood Elementary is working on collaboration with neighbors to be ready in case of catastrophe; contact the school if you live nearby and would like to join in the planning.

NEW BUSINESS: Tattoo Pizzazz was there for an introduction. Co-proprietor Shannon said they’re having a May 3 open house, 4-7 pm, with a drawing for a free tattoo.

DIAPER DRIVE: Reminder that the WestSide Baby diaper drive continues at Morgan Junction Starbucks (California/Fauntleroy) through the end of the month.

WHAT’S NEXT: Set your calendar for the June 15 festival and for the next quarterly MoCA meeting, 7 pm July 17.

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The list for your West Seattle Friday

April 19, 2024 10:30 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Recent photo of tulips in Gatewood by Kelly Kauffman, who’s wondering about the name of this variety)

Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WATER TAXI EXTENDED HOURS: First night of the Water Taxi’s spring/summer hours, which add Friday and Saturday later-evening service each week.

STAY & PLAY INDOOR GYM: Free drop-in play, 10-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.

LIBRARY CLOSURE: The Seattle Public Library‘s just-announced closure days continue; the West Seattle (Admiral) branch will not be open, but it’s regular hours today for our area’s other libraries.

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: 5-10 pm, Class of 226 students will hang out with your kids – potty-trained through 13 – at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW), as a fundraiser – details in our calendar listing.

VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room/wine bar open tonight for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

AT KENYON HALL: Monthly open mic – singer/songwriter incubator – free, all ages! 6 pm signups, 6:30 pm music. (7904 35th SW)

COMEDY AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 7-9 pm, Midnight Mystery Theater performs at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Strange Music Artist Jehry Robinson, hosted by Tonk Seven, special guest Jay Fiddy. Doors at 7 pm, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

SHOWCASE AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.

THIRD WEEKEND FOR ‘ENGLISH’: The current play continues at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Ticket link is in our calendar listing.

DJ NIGHT AT REVELRY ROOM: Music 9 pm-1 am on Fridays! (4547 California SW)

MAKE IT LOUD! Skate to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), 9 pm-midnight, this week featuring Megadose, Nug, Sneaker Wave. $18 cover + $5 skate rental

LATE-NIGHT SINGING: 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).

Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Learn about sheet mulching while helping the West Seattle Bee Garden

April 19, 2024 9:31 am

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| Gardening | How to help | West Seattle news

As you can see if you check our West Seattle Event Calendar, you have multiple opportunities around the area to make a difference with a few hours of your time tomorrow during volunteer work parties in honor of Earth Day. One is at the West Seattle Bee Garden, where you can learn a skill – sheet mulching – that might be usable in your own garden if you have one. In case you haven’t seen it in the calendar, here’s a reminder from Lisa at the Bee Garden:

Help us turn a zigzaggy idea into reality – tomorrow! We’ve got our overgrown patch prepared and ready for cardboard, wood chips, compost and cover crop to transform the space into a child and pollinator wonderland! Our expert friends at Master Composter Sustainability Stewards will help guide our process and answer your questions on creating new garden spaces.

Our future plans for the Children’s Garden include: lots of flowers, celebrating diversity by highlighting culturally relevant plants, yummy things to nibble, fun textures to touch, arches to walk through and even seed saving to give back to the community. All we need are people to make it happen.

When: Saturday, 4/20, 10 am-2 pm (we may finish early)

We will have some tools in short supply, if you are able to attend and can bring a wheelbarrow and/or shovel and/or pitchfork, that is helpful but not required. Bring a water bottle and lunch, dress for the weather – close toe shoes please. Light snacks provided.

We have other jobs as well: endless amounts of horsetail to pluck, walkways to weed and rake smooth, watering. There’s something for everyone :)

Many thanks for supporting our community garden!

The Bee Garden is at the north end of High Point Commons Park, Graham/Lanham. It will be at the heart of the annual West Seattle Bee Festival on May 18!

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday notes; one day until low-bridge closure

April 19, 2024 6:00 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, April 19.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny, high in the upper 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:11 am, sunset at 8:05 pm.

(Thursday sunset, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE COUNTDOWN

The West Seattle low bridge will be closed to surface (street and path) use starting at 6 am Saturday (April 20), open by 5 am Monday, April 29.

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is. Reminder, Friday/Saturday later-evening sailings start tonight.

Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for last-minute changes. Use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

1st Ave. S. Bridge:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

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West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2024 update, with one week of registration remaining

April 18, 2024 10:53 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

If you’re going to join in the region’s largest community garage-sale day this year – but you’re not registered yet – hurry! The deadline is one week away, 11:30 pm next Thursday (April 25)! West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day just might be the biggest yet – 300+ sales are signed up already, and that’s 25 percent more than at this point last year. Sale day is Saturday, May 11 (always the second Saturday in May), 9 am-3 pm (some start earlier, some end later, some even add extra days – be sure info like that is in your listing when you register). We haven’t been through all the listings yet but we already have a pile of notes about what people are selling and how they’re describing their sales (one seller simply declares, “It’s lit”) – fun stuff, practical stuff, old stuff, new stuff, handmade stuff, designer stuff, big stuff, little stuff, we could go on … that’s why we make the map and guide available a week in advance, so you can check out the listings and see who’s selling something you might want. (Or even if you’re not planning on major shopping, see who’s having a sale near you and walk over to say hi.) If you’re selling but not yet registered – here’s the form!

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FOLLOWUP: What remains to be done at newly renovated Don Armeni Boat Ramp

April 18, 2024 9:27 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Thanks to Doug Eglington for the photos. Crews were back at Don Armeni Boat Ramp this week for more of the finishing touches on the dock-replacement project. The new docks are open for public use but Seattle Parks spokesperson Karen O’Connor tells us a few things remain to be done – installation of bollards to keep people from trying to drive onto the docks – “a nearby resident had informed the project manager of this was an issue” – and installation of “additional cleats (for vessel tie-up).” The project replaced deteriorating, weather-beaten docks and pilings. It was partly funded by grants and has been in the works for seven years; we first reported on the plan in early 2017.

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